Liz Crowe's Blog, page 28
April 26, 2012
Across the Beer Bar with....Kerry Adrienne!
welcome to my beer bar Kerry! what can I pour you to start?
May I have something dark and warm? Full-bodied?
you are gonna LOVE my Faustian Stout Baltic Porter....
Let's start with your writing instructor job..did that lead you to try your
own hand at it or did you write first, then teach?
I've always written. When my two oldest kids were little and I was pulling
my hair out because I was stuck at home 24/7 with them, I happened upon this
teaching job at a local college. Thirteen years later, I teach four
different flavors of classes and LOVE it. During those years, I didn't write
much at all and the classes helped me stay sane. I love being around
creative people, and those classes are just brimming over with fun and
eccentric people.
Costumes eh? how does that fit into your life?
In addition to writing, I love to create costumes. I have a huge interest in
history, so historical costuming has always fascinated me--especially the
elaborate dresses worn in so many time periods (not that *I* would ever wear
them). I also make a lot of Japanese cosplay and crossplay costumes. I
truly enjoy taking an animated or drawn figure and bringing the clothing to
life in three dimensions. Steampunk is also fun--it's kind of a mixture of
historical and theatrical and fun. I haven't taken many commissions lately
because I have been so busy.
what is your favorite sub genre of romance? I see you have several different
things in the hopper for release.
My absolute favorite is SFR. I am hoping that Science Fiction Romance surges
in the next few years. I've met some awesome authors around the net--we just
need to get the books to readers and build a stronger following.
Do you enjoy editing? what do you like about it the most?
I love editing! I certainly wouldn't do it if I didn't love it! My favorite
part is working directly with an author. I've met some pretty special people
at Entangled. I love to push an author to absolutely dig as deep as they can
and find that super special something that makes their book really shine.
look! an empty glass. what can I pour you next?
I love the dark stuff... do you have anything else that is dark and warm?
Okay you convinced me. I'll share some of "The Massacre" with you...Imperial Dark Lager aged 9 months in bourbon barrels....
Do you see yourself as "writer," "editor," or "instructor" ultimately?
Wow, that is a really difficult question. Each of those titles fulfills
something in me that makes me--ME. Each "job" completes me in a different
way--and I need all of those parts. I'd imagine that one day, I will be too
old to teach and too blind to edit. So I guess I will be dictating my
stories. I guess that will be the last remaining of the three--writer.
What is the hardest part about publishing in your opinion?
From my limited perspective, I think it is having the right manuscript at
the right time and in the right hands. I see manuscripts that are really
fabulous--but get rejected because there is something too similar in the
stable. Timing is so important--and perseverance. When a publisher says
something is great but not for them--they really do mean it isn't for THEM.
There is very possibly another publisher who is just waiting on YOUR
manuscript.
And what's in your WIP lineup?
I am working on a second 1 Night Stand (another time travel), a third 1
Night Stand (time travel), the second book in my LifeBlood Trilogy, and I am
about halfway done with an SFR that I really need to get back to.
nightcap time! what's your poison.
Darkest beer you have, please...
Find Kerry Here:
Web/blog: kerryadrienne.com
Castles and Guns blog: (I blog here every other Sunday)
http://www.castlesandguns.com/
FB: kerryadrienne
Twitter: @kerryadrienne
Costume blog (much neglected): http://cloakandcostume.blogspot.com/
MuseItUp Publishing: my novel DOUBLE ECLIPSE release later this year
May I have something dark and warm? Full-bodied?
you are gonna LOVE my Faustian Stout Baltic Porter....
Let's start with your writing instructor job..did that lead you to try your
own hand at it or did you write first, then teach?
I've always written. When my two oldest kids were little and I was pulling
my hair out because I was stuck at home 24/7 with them, I happened upon this
teaching job at a local college. Thirteen years later, I teach four
different flavors of classes and LOVE it. During those years, I didn't write
much at all and the classes helped me stay sane. I love being around
creative people, and those classes are just brimming over with fun and
eccentric people.
Costumes eh? how does that fit into your life?
In addition to writing, I love to create costumes. I have a huge interest in
history, so historical costuming has always fascinated me--especially the
elaborate dresses worn in so many time periods (not that *I* would ever wear
them). I also make a lot of Japanese cosplay and crossplay costumes. I
truly enjoy taking an animated or drawn figure and bringing the clothing to
life in three dimensions. Steampunk is also fun--it's kind of a mixture of
historical and theatrical and fun. I haven't taken many commissions lately
because I have been so busy.
what is your favorite sub genre of romance? I see you have several different
things in the hopper for release.
My absolute favorite is SFR. I am hoping that Science Fiction Romance surges
in the next few years. I've met some awesome authors around the net--we just
need to get the books to readers and build a stronger following.
Do you enjoy editing? what do you like about it the most?
I love editing! I certainly wouldn't do it if I didn't love it! My favorite
part is working directly with an author. I've met some pretty special people
at Entangled. I love to push an author to absolutely dig as deep as they can
and find that super special something that makes their book really shine.
look! an empty glass. what can I pour you next?
I love the dark stuff... do you have anything else that is dark and warm?
Okay you convinced me. I'll share some of "The Massacre" with you...Imperial Dark Lager aged 9 months in bourbon barrels....
Do you see yourself as "writer," "editor," or "instructor" ultimately?
Wow, that is a really difficult question. Each of those titles fulfills
something in me that makes me--ME. Each "job" completes me in a different
way--and I need all of those parts. I'd imagine that one day, I will be too
old to teach and too blind to edit. So I guess I will be dictating my
stories. I guess that will be the last remaining of the three--writer.
What is the hardest part about publishing in your opinion?
From my limited perspective, I think it is having the right manuscript at
the right time and in the right hands. I see manuscripts that are really
fabulous--but get rejected because there is something too similar in the
stable. Timing is so important--and perseverance. When a publisher says
something is great but not for them--they really do mean it isn't for THEM.
There is very possibly another publisher who is just waiting on YOUR
manuscript.
And what's in your WIP lineup?
I am working on a second 1 Night Stand (another time travel), a third 1
Night Stand (time travel), the second book in my LifeBlood Trilogy, and I am
about halfway done with an SFR that I really need to get back to.
nightcap time! what's your poison.
Darkest beer you have, please...
Find Kerry Here:
Web/blog: kerryadrienne.com
Castles and Guns blog: (I blog here every other Sunday)
http://www.castlesandguns.com/
FB: kerryadrienne
Twitter: @kerryadrienne
Costume blog (much neglected): http://cloakandcostume.blogspot.com/
MuseItUp Publishing: my novel DOUBLE ECLIPSE release later this year
April 24, 2012
Across the Beer Bar with Dawn Montgomery
welcome to my beer bar Dawn.
Thanks for having me, Liz!
what can I pour for you to start?
I'm a Belgian beer fan, so surprise me. :) Okay *SURPRISE!* No Belgians. ick.here, try my Wolverine Amber Lager. You will love it.
Dragons....hmmm...okay I'll bite. Why dragons?
It's more of the princess and dragon fairy tales. In all of them, the princess waits to be saved by a dashing prince. I remember asking my grandmother once why the princess didn't bash the dragon on the head and leave or convince the dragon that they'd be better as allies? My grandma laughed and we made up new endings for the stories. We joked about that for years. In January, I had an abrupt life change that picked me up from Alaska and moved me to Texas. I was a full-time writer now, and was used to working long hours at my previous job. There were new worries involved, and lots of pressure. So, I wrote the dragons as a joke to myself. I decided to finally write the books where the princess gets the dragon and the man. I submitted it expecting a sound rejection. My editor, however, surprised me with an email the very next day (she said she had intended to scan through it, but couldn't stop reading). She loved it. Wow, that was long winded. *takes a refreshing drink* Great beer!Yah, don't say it too loud. My brewer has a big enough ego as it is.And this is part of a series?
Yes it is. The kingdom of Werthing Ton Fallorian (WTF for short) is split into five regions. The Prince of Dragons had to seal away his people, casting them in stone for 500 years in order to stop their extinction. So when they wake up, they're definitely hungry...in more ways than one. The series is called WTF Dragon http://www.changelingpress.com/catalog.php?upt=book&ufilter=series&sid=369.
You have certainly gotten around, lived all over and done lots of things. How did you end up in Alaska?
*laughs* It doesn't feel like it. I'm dangerous when I get bored. It's almost always guaranteed that whatever I decide to do is spur of the moment and physically demanding. How did I end up in Alaska? The military. I am a (recently) retired Air Force veteran. I finished my career in Alaska, a state I love! My injuries, however, forced me to move back to Texas in January. I still visit Alaska every summer. The beer, the salmon, and the incredible beauty. There's nothing like Alaska. Did I mention the beer?whoops! empty glass. what can I pour next for you?
I'm a Shiner Bock fan, so if you have that, great! If not, whatever you suggest. I love trying new beers.
Wolverine Dark Lager. Better than Shiner...Tell us about your journey to publication...long? rough? easy?
I met up with some amazing people in a Harlequin romance forum, which no longer exists. We started writing in an effort to submit to HQ's fantasy line, Luna. *rubs back of neck* That didn't work out so well. Through one of the ladies, I was invited to an exclusive writing workshop hosted by Angela Knight and Morgan Hawke. I've been through some pretty rough and ready classes, but Morgan was thorough and demanding. I was sweating right beside NYT bestselling authors without ever being published. Every one of us left the course a better writer. It took me some time to work up the nerve to submit something, but when I did, it was accepted to a small publisher. The road since then has been paved with acceptances, rejections, milestones, and insanity. But every day it's worth it. I love writing.
What is your absolute favorite subgenre to write and why?
Anything Speculative Fiction. Paranormal, Sci Fi, Urban Fantasy, Steampunk... I have so much fun building worlds and then tearing them apart. Hmm. *takes a long draw* I wonder if that's normal.
What's in your WIP pile? Your TBR pile?
Tongue-in-cheek dragon stories and some sexy sci fi are on the work in progress list. My TBR pile is HUGE. Kim Knox's Synthetic Dreams http://www.amazon.com/Synthetic-Dreams-ebook/dp/B006IIX96U/ref=lp_B003NJV7ZW_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1335191519&sr=1-8 is next.
I just bought Lexxie Couper's Love's Rhythm http://www.amazon.com/Loves-Rhythm-ebook/dp/B007C6YYSO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1335191795&sr=1-1.
Your Turkish series (awww....sucking up to the Beer Wench is always fine plan) is definitely on my list. I spent almost two years stationed there, so it will be nice to read romances set in country.http://www.decadentpublishing.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=liz+crowe&osCsid=knbivfjbltui3pkrdb0jgnqht7&button=search
I just finished Laurann Dohner's Tiger http://www.amazon.com/Tiger-Species-Book-Seven-ebook/dp/B007HNPO0O/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335192177&sr=1-1 *fans self* Hawt!
And I can't wait for Dakota Cassidy's newest in June. Accidentally Dead, Again. http://www.amazon.com/Accidentally-Dead-Again-Accidental-Series/dp/0425247511/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1335191995&sr=1-1-catcorr I was so excited to see it available for preorder, and snatched it up immediately! She cracks me up. The list doesn't stop. So many great stories out there to read.
Where can folks find out more about you?
Information on my up and coming books, works in progress, or general news can be found athttp://www.dawnmontgomery.com If you're interested in following my writing journey, I have a writing blog called The Write Way, My Way at http://www.dawnmontgomerywrites.wordpress.com I'm on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/dawn.montgomery.author and Twitterhttp://www.twitter.com/Dawn_Montgomery
My books are available at all online retailers. I'm published with Liquid Silver Books, Changeling Press, and Ellora's Cave if you're publisher site specific.
Nightcap time! what's your poison?
Hard alcohol keeps me up all night. I love a couple of glasses of Moscato to wind me down. Since we're at a beer bar, however, I'll take something with a sweet edge to it. Do you have something like that?
*Raises eyes to the heavens and takes a deep breath* NOI only sell what I make and I thank the Good Lord every night I don't make Moscato. Here....bourbon barrel aged Imperial Dark. You'll love it.Liz, thanks for the beers and the chat. I love a great bar.
Available April 27th: No Dragon, No Problem, WTF Dragon Book 1 http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1816
One bound man. One desperate princess. A curse. And dragons? WTF may never be the same.
WTF Dragon: In the fairytale kingdom of Werthing Ton Fallorian (or WTF for short), fairytale folk have gone insane. With the imps of lust and wickedness on a rampage, no one is safe. Five Princesses, Five Dragons. A coincidence? I don't think so.
The Motive: Princess Tasminia deSoto has had it with her stepmother's horrid matchmaking. Tricking the princess into a surprise wedding with the narcissistic Baron Winterwood from a neighboring kingdom (of the same name) is the final straw. If only there was a dragon to be sacrificed to!
The Idea: Desperation forces her to enlist the aid of the notorious Dash Ryan, illusionist and con artist for hire. Surely the wildly entertaining (and sexy) rogue can come up with something believable. And if a princess can find a little sexual education on the side... well... that's just a plus.
The Twist: Dash Ryan has a few secrets of his own. Secrets he's more than willing to exploit for just a taste of the princess's sexual awakening. But will one taste be enough?On the back list:
OK FOLKS...LEAVE DAWN (OR LIZ) A COMMENT AND YOU COULD WIN A COPY FROM HER BACK LIST! And feel free to suck up to the Beer Wench....
April 20, 2012
A FanArt Project Gets Real Across the Beer Bar
Welcome Sunny Talbot, artist extraordinaire and creator of the new Realtors covers and that amazing author banner up top! Now...pay attention because I'm going to ask one rather pointed question from the guts of this interview at the end.Winner receives:A signed e-copy of Floor Time (book one or whatever bookyou need to complete your set). If you have already readthis series then you will be put on the Official List to get an ARC of The Essence of Time, The Realtors: Book 4.Also...$20 in ARe Omni Bucks, so you can, you know, gobuy my back list and stuff.
Welcome to my beer bar Sunny! What can I pour for you to start?Sunny: this is where I need your expertise Liz. I know nothing of the fine art of beer. Someday I will visit that Brewery of yours. The closest I get to beer isa Tequila Shot.Liz: *groans*Sunny: With a beer chaser! I know I know, I can hear Rob and Blake scolding me from your books, beside themselves with my silly inexperience. They would have me tastetesting all night I'm sure. Then I would be forced to sleepon their floor. So Liz, pour me the best you got!Liz: yeah, those boys take their craft beer as seriously as I do.Imagine. Here: Wolverine Premium Lager. Perfect for a craft beer newb.
Liz: Every author likes to think their work inspires people. Butsomehow, from my books YOU were inspired to created someart work. How did that happen?
Sunny: As an obsessed artist I can never seem to keep mymind from thinking up new ways to create something. My profession is actually graphic design/sculpting. I constantly evolve in art and when I read my very first downloaded Romance novel my creative side was shifted into overdrive.
I sped off like a read hot Ferrari zooming along the damn Autobahn. It was like electrical cables were attached directly to my heart. I couldn't stop reading the damn books!Talk about sleep deprived. I think I walked around like Nightof the Living Dead on some days. There wasn't enough coffeeon the planet or toothpicks to keep my eyes open.
Needless to say, I forced myself to get some sleep. My love for romance novels grew and so did my need to express that love visually. I wanted to thank certain authors that I really enjoy by sending them "fan art" featuring whatever book or character I have my head wrapped around at thattime.
I started talking to some really fantastic people that way. People in the romance industry like authors, reviewers,artists, publishers, editors. I need to send a Big Shout Out to Ditter Tha Great of "According to Ditter"Book group on Facebook! She really got my art out there for people to see.
I've had some amazing opportunities with my art in the past and this new one is really exciting for me. When youand Tri-Destiny Publishing asked me to rework your Realtor Series cover art I about fainted. I was so excited!I mean really I think I was flying through my house for a while. Everyone has been so great. I feel so at home right now with this and when I feel like that, I know good things will come.
OK, cover art break. Here 'tis. the new and improved Floor Time
This is the first one I saw. And I was hooked! Liz: You are also an author. Where are you in the publishing Process?
Sunny: I am an aspiring romance author, yes. I have 5 books in my computer that are begin me to finish them. So far the one I am the closest to completing is called "The Elux Eleven." It is a Sci-Fi romance about a cyber-generated enhanced group named the Eleven. They are tattooed, weapon-toting bad assesthat are out to take out the evil scientist that created them. The only way they can take out said scientist is to kidnap hisDaughter. Liz: But of course...Sunny: The Eleven's commander, Zier, soon finds himself wrapped up with the red-headed hacker genius (daughter) who doesn't want to believe her father is the man they claim him to be. Trouble ensues, and pants go flying. Zier has his hands full with the trouble making human.Liz: I'm all in favor of flying pants...just saying...Sunny: My goal is to get it published one day not too far away. I have worked really hard trying to write these few books. I don't think I will rest until they go somewherefor others to enjoy. It's just about not giving up. Never saying never. You just do it. You keep writing and know thatyou will have to edit a million times but that you will eventually get there.
Liz: Sweetling I am living proof of that principle. TheRealtors piled up scads of rejection but I think every singleone of them I got formulated the stories into what they arenow. Being able to flex, and take criticism for what it's worthand make yourself better is just part of the game. And it loosens up your ego for the dreaded editing session once youARE accepted.
Okay. Sweat Equity time:
Yeah. I dare you not to stare into Jack's eyes for at least five minutes on this one. Liz: I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that you are a KICK ASS artist. And I personally plan to keep you very busyfor a while. What do you enjoy more...writing or art?
Sunny: *blushing* You know I like that you are going to keep me busy Liz. I am your official "art slave." Liz: *side note* NO "slaves" were actually formed as part of this interview. Just, you know, "beck and call" sorts of moments---about those book marks....
Sunny: Wow, it is hard to choose which I enjoy more. The art side is super fun and instantly gratifying. I can make a graphic in as little as a few yours or minutes and get feedback on it the same day. I love to see how people react.Writing is more challenging in its art form and I love that too. You really have to concentrate and work to get things out on paper. It can be a slow process and frustrating sometimes. In the end, re-reading your story gives you a happy feeling in your heart. It can be such an accomplishment. I guess with that I would have to say I love both as equals.
Liz: What are your professional goals for yourself? Sunny: Well, like I said I want to get published. I also wantto see my art on romance novel covers and THAT seems to be a reality now thanks to you Tri Destiny publishing! Cheers! Next time drinks on me.
Liz: *pats her hand* Okay night cap time...
Sunny: Pour me another shot! Don't pull me off the bar Liz Iain't done. You tell Blake and Rob to cool their jets.
Liz: Darling, when this writer gets it in her head to write, she will no matter who is around. But I will warn you that Blake just threw something (he has a temper) back in the brewery because you said "shot." This is a BEER BAR...beer only.
Here *passes small glass across bar* bourbon barrel agedImperial Dark Lager. THAT will get your muse going.It surely works for me!Now: the 3rd and final reveal:Closing Costs:
Dear God I cannot stop staring at these covers Sunny. THANKS!!Now for the question: What is the name of the Facebook group where Sunny and Liz met?
Upcoming releases:May 2012--Conditional Offer--A Realtors Short story.
June 2012--The Essence of Time--The Realtors: Book 4
April 19, 2012
Across the Beer Bar with...Alexa Bourne!
Welcome to my beer bar Alexa! What can I pour you to start?A dark beer please!Got that: Wolverine Dark Lager....my second best seller.
I see you are a newbie...how does it feel?It's overwhelming and awesome and frightening all at the same time! I'm like a kid on Christmas morning excited to see what Santa's left her. And honestly, I don't EVER want the feeling to go away! (It's kind of addictive.)
From the looks of your blog you are certainly busy coming up with new books and submitting. Have you collected a bunch of rejections already or was your path to first publication pretty smooth?I had 63 rejections on various manuscripts before Champion was picked up by Decadent. My path to publication has been LOOOOONG (12 years!), but it wasn't nearly as bad as it could've been.
Tell us about Her Highland Champion.
A Decadent Honor Guard story….Heather Winchester leads a charming life. With good friends, a beautiful flat in one of the most amazing cities in the world, and a promising future once she finishes her Ph.D, she is finally pursing her own dreams instead of catering to everyone else’s…except she doesn’t remember any of it.Malcolm Fraser has returned to his Highland village to forget his failings as a professional bodyguard. Believing he could just lose himself in the mundane activities of running his bed & breakfast, he finds a woman’s lifeless body by the loch instead….Captivated by Heather as she regains her memory, Malcolm is thrown into the line of duty. As danger comes knocking on their door, will he be strong enough to love her and keep her safe?Oh, look, empty glass--what can I pour for you next?Surprise me! (Just as long as it's a GOOD beer! LOL!)]*pats her hand* Lovely answer...here, a Gulo Gulo, India Pale Lager. Hoppy, crisp, fabulous.
What's the online class about that you will be leading?Well, right now I'm teaching one called Killer Openings, which has the students examining books they love, revising some of my early crappy openings and then critiquing each others' opening pages. In the next couple of months I'm also teaching one on contests and one on what to do when you've finished your first manuscript. I'm very excited because I just got the okay to teach a new class in the fall, called Candid Confessions of a Newbie Author, in which I share the nitty-gritty details of my 1st year as a published author.
Sounds like you are on a good track, having had partial requests and what not. What are your goals for your writing career?Well, I'd like to keep writing now that I've had a taste of what it's like to be published. (Remember I said I was addicted!) I have some full-length manuscripts I hope will find a home soon, too. And I'd like to keep teaching classes to fiction writers. Other than that, I can't say. Lately it seems every plan I make for my writing career keeps getting switched around every other day!
What is your favorite type of "hero" in a book? In real life?I do like alpha heroes, but I think I'd be planning ways to kill him if I had one in real life. My own hero would be part alpha, part beta (only the best of each type). Although, that's a tall order. Huh...maybe that's why I'm still single!
Ok, nightcap time. what's your poisonDo you have any chocolate beer???? A girl can ALWAYS use some chocolate! We did actually, back at Valentine's Day have a lovely Neapolitan Lager...hints of chocolate, vanilla and hibiscus. Alas, it lasted about a week---'twas delish.
Thanks so much for having me, and I'll definitely be back to sample more of your beers at some point!
Blog: http://alexabourne.blogspot.com Web: www.alexabourne.com FB: http://facebook.com/AuthorAlexaBourne Twitter: @AlexaBourne
April 12, 2012
Staying Home From RT? Let's Read! And Win!
Okay....rubbing hands together...I didn't make it out to RT this year which is lame considering how close Chicago is to Ann Arbor but it was too close to my recent Spring Break Writing Vacay/Mental Health Break and I have a TON of beer related work to do this week.
I am however, headed to the RomFest in June. Gonna have The Essence of Time Realtors Book 4 released AND printed by then along with Floor Time (in print) just in time for my first book signing. Whew.
But today, we are celebrating by staying home and READING! I will give away THREE FREE E-book copies, signed by yours truly of Floor Time, The Realtors Book 1 to a randomly selected commenter who answers a question from the first chapter of each of the books in the series.
Here are links to PDFs of each "first chapter:"
Floor Time (The Realtors Book 1)
Sweat Equity (The Realtors Book 2)
Closing Costs (The Realtors Book 3)
Okay. *cracks knuckles* here are your questions:
In Floor Time, what was the name of the guy Sara was with at first?
In Sweat Equity, what is Jack's bright idea while they are on vacation?
In Closing Costs, what is Sara's daughter's first name?
Comment and WIN!!!!
thanks for hanging with me on this "lucky Friday!"
cheers
Liz
I am however, headed to the RomFest in June. Gonna have The Essence of Time Realtors Book 4 released AND printed by then along with Floor Time (in print) just in time for my first book signing. Whew.
But today, we are celebrating by staying home and READING! I will give away THREE FREE E-book copies, signed by yours truly of Floor Time, The Realtors Book 1 to a randomly selected commenter who answers a question from the first chapter of each of the books in the series.
Here are links to PDFs of each "first chapter:"
Floor Time (The Realtors Book 1)
Sweat Equity (The Realtors Book 2)
Closing Costs (The Realtors Book 3)
Okay. *cracks knuckles* here are your questions:
In Floor Time, what was the name of the guy Sara was with at first?
In Sweat Equity, what is Jack's bright idea while they are on vacation?
In Closing Costs, what is Sara's daughter's first name?
Comment and WIN!!!!
thanks for hanging with me on this "lucky Friday!"
cheers
Liz
Across the Beer Bar Time! And a Lager Lesson
welcome to my beer bar! what can I pour you to start?You know...I never really GOT it when people would say "Headdesk." Now. I do. Only it's "HeadBar."
I like ale. I'm mighty fond of Dos Equis (the green bottle) and Heinikein (sp?) so something along those lines if you got it. :) In a frosted mug, please. I don't want to belch throughout the interview.
LAGERS, dear and I only sell what I make. (Heiniken btw, is a "LAGER". Dos Equis "in the green bottle" is also a lager. Truly it's only a chemistry class designation and way too boring to go into here....but has everything to do with how a beer is fermented, and ultimately feels in your mouth and tastes. so....note for future beer based interviews. You Like Lagers. Not Ales.
Now.... here, my Wolverine Amber Lager is a "Mexican style" lager...you will love it. It will make you burp, no matter what kind of mug it is served in. And serving it in a "frosted mug" essentially hides the taste of "beer." I serve it at the perfect lager serving temperature 45 degrees F.
Trust me. I own the joint.
I see you are a little schizo with the author names. Why use two?
Well, Tara Chevrestt writes the cleaner stuff... except for A Facebook Affair which was clean until BP got their hands on it. LOL. Once the gates were opened to sex scenes and Tara quit her blushing about it, Sonia Hightower decided to step forth. She had this amazing, sexy idea, and she took over Tara's body. Now, they fight back and forth over the cleanliness, heat level, content of manuscripts. Sometimes, one wins, sometimes, the other.
What was the first book you had published (as either writer)?
First book published was self-pubbed and under Tara Chevrestt, because even though it has some dirty humor, it is a relatively clean book and very funny. It's Dog Tails: Three Humorous Short Stories for Dog Lovers.
A Facebook Affair sounds like a lovely story. what inspired you to write it?
I finally joined Facebook, and I got the idea because of how it easy it is to look up people you once knew. I found a guy I knew long ago and he was mighty easy on the eyes. Like a GQ model. LOL. I'm married, now, but an idea formed, and it took a life of its own when I decided to make it a deaf heroine and educate readers while I entertained them.
oops empty glass---what can I pour you next?
You got any beer that tastes like a campfire? Had one of those recently. Blew me away. It's a blasted seasonal thing though, apparently.
oooh goodie I get to sneak another beer lesson in. Ahem. The "campfire" taste is actually a very old and fairly expensive style of beer to make. It was likely a "Rauchbier" ("smoked beer" duh) made by using malts that had been roasted over an open flame in the brewing process. That said, I don't have one. I do however have an AMAZING little something called "Gulo Noir" (Gulo is the scientific name for Wolverine). It's an India Black Lager. Here, drink it. You'll love it.
Tell us about your publishing journey--long? short? easy? tough? thoughts on editing process?
Discouraging. I've had bad pubs and good pubs. I've gotten books back, I've been resigned to their fates. LOL. The hardest part for me is not finding a pub, nor is it edits, but marketing. I'm only one woman, and all my books are different genres and under two different names. It's tough. I feel like a broken record at times, and it seems no one but my immediate friends read my work, and even then, only if I GIVE it to them. LOL
What is coming up next for Tara/Sonia?
Deaf Isn't Dumb, my memoir about being deaf in a hearing world, is being released by Breathless Press April 27th.
Nightcap time--what's your poison?
I'd love a shot. I'm mighty fond of B-52s. Ever heard of them? Not many bartenders know how to make them. If not, I'll just have another beer. Mixing makes me sick.
sigh....someday, you people will pay attention that this is a BEER BAR. I make it. I sell it. End of story. But you can trust me, I know what a B-52 is. Here, try my bourbon barrel aged Imperial Dark Lager.
And remember---don't go into a bar and say "I want an ale, how about one of those Heinikens or Dos Equis?" You like Lagers.
Where to find her:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-Chevrestt/218383211513877website: http://tarachevrestt.weebly.com/index.htmlDog Tails: http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Tails-Humorous-Stories-ebook/dp/B004WOYU2O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302899175&sr=1-1-catcorrA Facebook Affair: http://www.breathlesspress.com/facebook-affairSinful Urges: http://www.breathlesspress.com/sinful-urges
April 11, 2012
Strip Tease Blog Tour with Wendi Zwaduk
Thanks to Liz and Brewing Passion for having me and the Strip Tease Tour on the blog. For my topic today, I thought I'd had things over to Astra and Jude. They're going to tell you their top five must dance to songs. I mean, they are strippers and one nice thing about working at the Silver Steel is they can choose their own music.
Thanks Liz! I've never been able to talk about what I dance to. I guess no one ever asked. My name is Astra and I have more of a techno feel to my work. 5. Tik Tok - Kesha4. ET – Katy Perry3. Rock That Body – Black Eyed Peas2. Just Dance – Lady Gaga1. Sexyback – Justin Timberlake (helps that's where my dance name comes from)My name is Jude and I have a throwback feel for my dances. I never really thought about my dance songs as I just dance to them. 5. Season of the Witch – Donovan4. Play That Funky Music – Vanilla Fudge3. Lady Marmalade – LaBelle or the remake – doesn't matter to me2. Stayin' Alive – the Bee Gees1. Brick House – the Commodores, but the version by Rob Zombie works well, too
The selections are eclectic, but then again, so are the dancers. If you were going to create a set list for a stripper, what would you put on it? I'd love to know!
Over My Head: What happens when two opposites realise they have more in common than expected?I'm a dancer…and a damn good one. I work at the Silver Steel Gentlemen's Club. My hard and fast rule? No freebies and no office dating. Except for Slade. Hard, fast, slow, gentle...I don't care. I'll take him any way possible. But he's not that into me.
Or so she thinks. I'm a bouncer at the Silver Steel. Astra doesn't realise I see her—I can't help myself. She captivates me every time she's on the stage. I want her, but I have a...problem. I'm not at the Steel to pick up chicks or even work the room. I'm there to stop the influx of drugs into the community. Yeah, I'm a cop. But if the job means sampling the dancers... Well, as long as I keep my heart out of it, I'll be fine.I hope.
Reader Advisory: This book has a kick ass hero, a dancer with all the right moves, hot sex, a little mutual anal play for good measure and mention of drug use.
When You're With Me
A topless dancer and a cynical cop doesn't equal a lifetime love...or does it?
There's more to Jude Nelson than just a sequined thong. She's got big dreams to become an artist. There's one tiny wrinkle in her plan—she'll never forget the bloody image of her friend's battered body in the dumpster. Who can a nude dancer turn to for help? Certainly not a hardened undercover cop...
Detective Drew Alwyn is on the case to find out who murdered his good friend and fellow officer. But the moment he sees Jude, he can't look away. He has to decide which is more important—his dedication to his job or the girl who holds his bruised and battered heart. Will these two opposites come together to solve the case or will their desire consume them?
This story contains scenes of bondage, mentions of drug use by secondary characters, silk, sequins and art supplies used in foreplay, voyeurism and a little spanking for good measure.
I always dreamed of writing the stories in my head. Tall, dark, and handsome heroes are my favorites, as long as he has an independent woman keeping him in line. I tend to write books with titles taken from songs because music is one of my many muses.
I earned a BA in education at Kent State university and as well as a Masters in Education from Nova Southeastern University. I've tried my hand at teaching, waitressing, and retail sales, but writing holds my heart.
I love NASCAR, romance, books in general, Ohio farmland, dirt racing, and my menagerie of animals. I have more stories than my brain can handle percolating. I can't wait to share them with you!
http://www.wendizwaduk.comhttp://www....
Wendi will be giving away a $10 GC to Total-e-Bound to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Check out the other dates here. The more you comment the better your odds.
http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/virtual-book-tour-strip-tease-tour-by.html.
April 6, 2012
What I Did On My Writing Vacation
Greetings Liz Fans/followers/creepers/stalkers/others who roll their eyes every time I open my mouth.
I'm on vacation.
The view from my Writing Cave (um, "Verandah" ) this week...gonna get this 4th book DONE! (no excuses)
Yep.
But LIZ, you moan, you were JUST in California! And you went to Vegas this year too. No Fair!
Au contraire, beloveds.
The Best Margherita Ever.
You see it has been a solid three years since I did anything resembling a "vacation" so I suppose you could say I am making up for seriously lost time on this "relaxation thing."
Of course, I am doing "relaxation." I sleep a full hour later than usual, get my workouts in the form of long beach walks and/or bike rides along the sea wall, and am bloody well WRITING to my heart's content.
My life has taken an odd turn this spring. But one of the coolest things is that my series The Realtors, is taking off in a huge way thanks in no small part to a great group of readers I found who are loving Jack and the gang and spreading the word to their friends who then tell their friends, etc. It's fun to watch and interact with my new fans!
And I got that JERR GOLD STAR AWARD for Sweat Equity! People are so pissed off by my characters, but they keep reading....
I am hard at work on a new installment of this series. The Essence of Time (book 4) will publish June 1, and there is a short, hot interim story about a colleague of Jack and Sara's that will release around Derby Day (look it up.) I have also made a commitment to attend My First Romance Book Convention in June in Tennessee (the one Sherilyn is going to I'm told). I'll be signing some stuff, giving away more stuff but mostly I want to meet YOU. Are YOU going??? I'm a little fluttery at the concept. But I'll be listed amongst the "authors attending" at the site soon...and will share THAT link with you as well.
Maybe I'll move here...not. Way too many bugs
Because I love you people, an short, hot *unedited* (she made me say that) excerpt. Tell you what, answer the question at the bottom of this (ADULTS ONLY bit) and I'll pick one correct winner to receive a copy of ANY of my backlist books (Realtors if you haven't read them should be your first choice!)
cheers and have a nice holiday weekend (I know I am)
Liz
BEGIN ADULTS ONLY (m/m a.k.a. "man love") EXCERPT HERE:
Rob had been interning the last month down at the Detroit River Brewing Co. for something to do before heading to Chicago and had gotten completely sucked in to the craft microbrewing thing. He'd learned to brew, or mostly to clean up after brewing, best Kyle could tell. And came to their bed redolent of maltiness, astringency from the hops. And Kyle loved it. The night they'd done their first blindfolded play he'd shown up at the loft wearing a huge, slightly sheepish grin, but had winced when Kyle had gripped his shoulder. "What the hell did you do?" Kyle demanded, yanking the soft polo over his blond head. He ran a hand over the angry looking art work marring Rob's perfect shoulder. Fury had shuddered down his spine but he'd kept quiet. Rob was a grown man. Welcome to do what the hell he wanted to himself. "Looks like it hurts." He'd brushed at the twining hop vine, wishing he could take it away. Rob met his gaze, leaned into his lips. Kyle tasted the perfection that was his lover, and decided to let it go. And now, his skin had healed, but he hadn't seen Rob for over a week. And it was making him insane. And horny. He stalked over to the couch, flopped down, ran a hand up his stiff cock. Damn the man. His disappearing acts were beyond frustrating. But he had him tonight, along with Jack and Evan, for their regular poker night. It was Kyle's night to host. He glanced at his phone, automatically counting the hours until he could have the blond god back in his arms again, as he stroked himself to a loud, yet mostly unsatisfying climax.
Rob slid the heavy wood and metal door aside, as Kyle watched from the dark recesses of the room. His nerves jumped like a live wire at the sight of the man—he was letting his hair grow out, and it brushed below the collar of his soft white oxford cloth shirt. "Hey." He called out, tossing his keys onto the antique table top as he took a few steps into the room. "You here?" Kyle stayed quiet, just drinking in the sight of him. His long legs were glad in denim, as usual and although he could see that his hair was shower damp, he still smelled of brewery. Taking a long, deep breath, Kyle rose, took the few feet between them in a few, quick, graceful steps and gripped the man's neck. Rob smiled at him, put a hand to his face.Kyle frowned at him a second, berating himself for the thousandth time to let it go. To not get so damn attached, but all logic and thought disappeared as Rob met him halfway and they went down onto the couch in a tangle of long, firm legs, and torsos. So much for that, Kyle thought, groaning as Rob pushed him back, yanked his jeans down and swallowed his length. Fisting his hands in the man's soft hair, he whispered, just once. "I love you." Rob stopped as Kyle was on the ragged edge of a monster orgasm, licked his way up Kyle's pebbling skin, biting on each nipple before yanking his hips down to the edge of the couch. Their eyes stayed locked together as Rob rolled a condom down his shaft, and poised, at the edge. "Yes." He grunted. "Now." Rob eased in, slow, using the lube they kept handy filling him as he stroked Kyle's cock at the same time. He pulled back and pressed in again, deeper this time, increasing his hand's rhythm.
NOW, TOWEL OFF AND ANSWER ME THIS: What is the tattoo that Rob had done on his shoulder?
I'm on vacation.
The view from my Writing Cave (um, "Verandah" ) this week...gonna get this 4th book DONE! (no excuses)Yep.
But LIZ, you moan, you were JUST in California! And you went to Vegas this year too. No Fair!
Au contraire, beloveds.
The Best Margherita Ever. You see it has been a solid three years since I did anything resembling a "vacation" so I suppose you could say I am making up for seriously lost time on this "relaxation thing."
Of course, I am doing "relaxation." I sleep a full hour later than usual, get my workouts in the form of long beach walks and/or bike rides along the sea wall, and am bloody well WRITING to my heart's content.
My life has taken an odd turn this spring. But one of the coolest things is that my series The Realtors, is taking off in a huge way thanks in no small part to a great group of readers I found who are loving Jack and the gang and spreading the word to their friends who then tell their friends, etc. It's fun to watch and interact with my new fans!
And I got that JERR GOLD STAR AWARD for Sweat Equity! People are so pissed off by my characters, but they keep reading....
I am hard at work on a new installment of this series. The Essence of Time (book 4) will publish June 1, and there is a short, hot interim story about a colleague of Jack and Sara's that will release around Derby Day (look it up.) I have also made a commitment to attend My First Romance Book Convention in June in Tennessee (the one Sherilyn is going to I'm told). I'll be signing some stuff, giving away more stuff but mostly I want to meet YOU. Are YOU going??? I'm a little fluttery at the concept. But I'll be listed amongst the "authors attending" at the site soon...and will share THAT link with you as well.
Maybe I'll move here...not. Way too many bugsBecause I love you people, an short, hot *unedited* (she made me say that) excerpt. Tell you what, answer the question at the bottom of this (ADULTS ONLY bit) and I'll pick one correct winner to receive a copy of ANY of my backlist books (Realtors if you haven't read them should be your first choice!)
cheers and have a nice holiday weekend (I know I am)
Liz
BEGIN ADULTS ONLY (m/m a.k.a. "man love") EXCERPT HERE:
Rob had been interning the last month down at the Detroit River Brewing Co. for something to do before heading to Chicago and had gotten completely sucked in to the craft microbrewing thing. He'd learned to brew, or mostly to clean up after brewing, best Kyle could tell. And came to their bed redolent of maltiness, astringency from the hops. And Kyle loved it. The night they'd done their first blindfolded play he'd shown up at the loft wearing a huge, slightly sheepish grin, but had winced when Kyle had gripped his shoulder. "What the hell did you do?" Kyle demanded, yanking the soft polo over his blond head. He ran a hand over the angry looking art work marring Rob's perfect shoulder. Fury had shuddered down his spine but he'd kept quiet. Rob was a grown man. Welcome to do what the hell he wanted to himself. "Looks like it hurts." He'd brushed at the twining hop vine, wishing he could take it away. Rob met his gaze, leaned into his lips. Kyle tasted the perfection that was his lover, and decided to let it go. And now, his skin had healed, but he hadn't seen Rob for over a week. And it was making him insane. And horny. He stalked over to the couch, flopped down, ran a hand up his stiff cock. Damn the man. His disappearing acts were beyond frustrating. But he had him tonight, along with Jack and Evan, for their regular poker night. It was Kyle's night to host. He glanced at his phone, automatically counting the hours until he could have the blond god back in his arms again, as he stroked himself to a loud, yet mostly unsatisfying climax.
Rob slid the heavy wood and metal door aside, as Kyle watched from the dark recesses of the room. His nerves jumped like a live wire at the sight of the man—he was letting his hair grow out, and it brushed below the collar of his soft white oxford cloth shirt. "Hey." He called out, tossing his keys onto the antique table top as he took a few steps into the room. "You here?" Kyle stayed quiet, just drinking in the sight of him. His long legs were glad in denim, as usual and although he could see that his hair was shower damp, he still smelled of brewery. Taking a long, deep breath, Kyle rose, took the few feet between them in a few, quick, graceful steps and gripped the man's neck. Rob smiled at him, put a hand to his face.Kyle frowned at him a second, berating himself for the thousandth time to let it go. To not get so damn attached, but all logic and thought disappeared as Rob met him halfway and they went down onto the couch in a tangle of long, firm legs, and torsos. So much for that, Kyle thought, groaning as Rob pushed him back, yanked his jeans down and swallowed his length. Fisting his hands in the man's soft hair, he whispered, just once. "I love you." Rob stopped as Kyle was on the ragged edge of a monster orgasm, licked his way up Kyle's pebbling skin, biting on each nipple before yanking his hips down to the edge of the couch. Their eyes stayed locked together as Rob rolled a condom down his shaft, and poised, at the edge. "Yes." He grunted. "Now." Rob eased in, slow, using the lube they kept handy filling him as he stroked Kyle's cock at the same time. He pulled back and pressed in again, deeper this time, increasing his hand's rhythm.
NOW, TOWEL OFF AND ANSWER ME THIS: What is the tattoo that Rob had done on his shoulder?
April 2, 2012
Across the Beer Bar with...C.R. Moss
and a gigantic Mea Culpa for screwing up this schedule C.R. (hangs head). My real life kinda got in the way of blogging these past days. I'm lucky to remember to pee...oh, never mind.
Welcome to my beer bar C.R. what can I pour you to start?
~ I'd love to try your Big House Brown if it's available. Browns are my favorite, and, if I go to a restaurant and/or pub that's new to me and they have a Brown on their menu, I always try it.
VEGAS!!! I love that town, truly. What took you there anyways?
~ Once upon a time, back when we lived in New Jersey, Las Vegas was our vacation destination. When my husband became serious about training to qualify for the Ironman World Championship held in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, we decided it would be best to move to a climate where he'd be able to train year round without having to worry too much about bad weather. Since we had been to the city a number of times and knew the area, we chose it. Plus, Las Vegas has some beautiful weather. The city averages about 300 days of sunshine per year! Check out more stats here: http://www.lasvegascommunityguide.com/pages/las-vegas-weather-and-las-vegas-climate.html
You truly write across genres, it seems, from erotic to horror. What is your favorite to read and to write?
~ As for a favorite, it's hard to say. What I read and write really depends upon my mood. I have an eclectic taste when it comes to what I read. One day I could be reading a literary classic, the next a romance, then a sci-fi then maybe something dark and gritty. As for what I write, it helps to keep my mind fresh and keep me from getting bored changing between romance and non-romance works. I think though when it comes down to it, I always return to my first loves—horror and thrillers—for both reading and writing. I'm currently working on a romantic suspense and a romantic thriller/suspense under my other pen name, and once those are done, I'm going to work on the third and fourth stories in my Sunset series under my C.R. name. The blurb for book one is below. Book two, Sunset Seduction, is in Decadent's editing queue. :)
You work with a few different publishers. Why is that?
~ Thought it would be best to have some diversity. Different homes for different stories, especially since I like to write in different genres.
What was the first book you got contracted?~ My first story contracted and published was called Deliverance. The rights to it have since been reverted to me. I plan on revising it, and the others in the series, and doing a re-release someday.
Oh heavens an empty glass! What can I pour you next?~ Let me try a Wolverine Dark. I understand it's Michigan's "Smoothest Dark Beer," and it'd be nice to find another dark beer that I actually like. :)
Tell us about your latest release.~ My latest release, Sunset Desires, is available at Decadent Publishing.
Blurb:
A blind date. A hot tropical evening. She'll be someone he can't forget. He'll fulfill her ultimate fantasy.
Gwendolyn Tramonto is stunned to learn her cousin set her up with sex on the beach and it's not the drink. But after a several year dry spell of no relationships, no dates…no sex, Gwen decides to take her cousin up on her offer and go out on the blind date. For once, she'd like to indulge in a fantasy, be wined and dined instead of the other way around, and if she and the man ended up in bed together, that would be a nice bonus.
Evan Cadell is looking forward to the date his uncle arranged for him through an exclusive matchmaking service and taking a one night break from work, life and all its demands. From Gwen's profile, Evan knows what her fantasy is and believes he's the man who can make it come true.
But will one night in paradise be enough to satisfy their desires?For more, visit: http://bit.ly/SunsetDesiresbyCRMoss
Uh oh…Rutgers…hmmm…Louisville Cardinal here. We shall agree to disagree when it comes to sports.~ No problem there! The only sport I follow on a somewhat regular basis is hockey. Go Devils and Ducks!
Tell us about the "real estate" realm you refer to in your bio. ~ I was a real estate agent and referral agent for a couple of years then also worked as an administrative assistant for a Broker of Record. Talk about having to know all the regulations for the state like the back of your hand. But that was back in the late 90's. After the BOR job, I became an office admin for another agency and worked there up until I moved. I considered doing real estate out here in NV, but the thought of learning a whole new set of laws and regulations and such (plus the outlay of money for licensing and holding open houses in the summer heat) didn't thrill me.
What's on your nightstand/e-reader right now?~ On my e-reader, I have 'I Am Legend' by Richard Matheson and a couple other horror stories, a couple of urban fantasy books and a handful of erotic and mainstream romance books ranging from romantic suspense, to paranormal, to western…and the list also happens to include a copy of Caught Offside by Liz Crowe. ;)
Time for a nightcap! What's your poison!
~ Baileys on the rocks. Yum!
NO. More beer. sorry!
Thanks for having me here today!
Readers, you can find me at:
Website: www.crmoss.net
Blog: http://crmoss.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/crmoss
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CRMoss.author
Welcome to my beer bar C.R. what can I pour you to start?
~ I'd love to try your Big House Brown if it's available. Browns are my favorite, and, if I go to a restaurant and/or pub that's new to me and they have a Brown on their menu, I always try it.
VEGAS!!! I love that town, truly. What took you there anyways?~ Once upon a time, back when we lived in New Jersey, Las Vegas was our vacation destination. When my husband became serious about training to qualify for the Ironman World Championship held in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, we decided it would be best to move to a climate where he'd be able to train year round without having to worry too much about bad weather. Since we had been to the city a number of times and knew the area, we chose it. Plus, Las Vegas has some beautiful weather. The city averages about 300 days of sunshine per year! Check out more stats here: http://www.lasvegascommunityguide.com/pages/las-vegas-weather-and-las-vegas-climate.html
You truly write across genres, it seems, from erotic to horror. What is your favorite to read and to write?
~ As for a favorite, it's hard to say. What I read and write really depends upon my mood. I have an eclectic taste when it comes to what I read. One day I could be reading a literary classic, the next a romance, then a sci-fi then maybe something dark and gritty. As for what I write, it helps to keep my mind fresh and keep me from getting bored changing between romance and non-romance works. I think though when it comes down to it, I always return to my first loves—horror and thrillers—for both reading and writing. I'm currently working on a romantic suspense and a romantic thriller/suspense under my other pen name, and once those are done, I'm going to work on the third and fourth stories in my Sunset series under my C.R. name. The blurb for book one is below. Book two, Sunset Seduction, is in Decadent's editing queue. :)
You work with a few different publishers. Why is that?
~ Thought it would be best to have some diversity. Different homes for different stories, especially since I like to write in different genres.
What was the first book you got contracted?~ My first story contracted and published was called Deliverance. The rights to it have since been reverted to me. I plan on revising it, and the others in the series, and doing a re-release someday.
Oh heavens an empty glass! What can I pour you next?~ Let me try a Wolverine Dark. I understand it's Michigan's "Smoothest Dark Beer," and it'd be nice to find another dark beer that I actually like. :)
Tell us about your latest release.~ My latest release, Sunset Desires, is available at Decadent Publishing.
Blurb:
A blind date. A hot tropical evening. She'll be someone he can't forget. He'll fulfill her ultimate fantasy.
Gwendolyn Tramonto is stunned to learn her cousin set her up with sex on the beach and it's not the drink. But after a several year dry spell of no relationships, no dates…no sex, Gwen decides to take her cousin up on her offer and go out on the blind date. For once, she'd like to indulge in a fantasy, be wined and dined instead of the other way around, and if she and the man ended up in bed together, that would be a nice bonus.
Evan Cadell is looking forward to the date his uncle arranged for him through an exclusive matchmaking service and taking a one night break from work, life and all its demands. From Gwen's profile, Evan knows what her fantasy is and believes he's the man who can make it come true.
But will one night in paradise be enough to satisfy their desires?For more, visit: http://bit.ly/SunsetDesiresbyCRMoss
Uh oh…Rutgers…hmmm…Louisville Cardinal here. We shall agree to disagree when it comes to sports.~ No problem there! The only sport I follow on a somewhat regular basis is hockey. Go Devils and Ducks!
Tell us about the "real estate" realm you refer to in your bio. ~ I was a real estate agent and referral agent for a couple of years then also worked as an administrative assistant for a Broker of Record. Talk about having to know all the regulations for the state like the back of your hand. But that was back in the late 90's. After the BOR job, I became an office admin for another agency and worked there up until I moved. I considered doing real estate out here in NV, but the thought of learning a whole new set of laws and regulations and such (plus the outlay of money for licensing and holding open houses in the summer heat) didn't thrill me.
What's on your nightstand/e-reader right now?~ On my e-reader, I have 'I Am Legend' by Richard Matheson and a couple other horror stories, a couple of urban fantasy books and a handful of erotic and mainstream romance books ranging from romantic suspense, to paranormal, to western…and the list also happens to include a copy of Caught Offside by Liz Crowe. ;)
Time for a nightcap! What's your poison!
~ Baileys on the rocks. Yum!
NO. More beer. sorry!
Thanks for having me here today!
Readers, you can find me at:
Website: www.crmoss.net
Blog: http://crmoss.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/crmoss
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CRMoss.author
April 1, 2012
Fifty Shades of Budweiser, A Cautionary Tale
HAPPY RELEASE DAY TO ME!
HAPPY RELEASE DAY TO ME!
yep, the third installment of The Realtors series is available for purchase!
Buy Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/produ...
Closing Costs is the next "chapter" of a tale encompassing over ten years in the lives of two people. And I'm getting some seriously awesome reviews and killer buzz at a reader level for it. More on "buzz" in a moment. In the meantime, allow me to blurb-i-fy you and slap you upside your head with an excerpt (warning: hot--can't handle it, then skip down to the meat of my post here today about celebrating the middle ground):
Love conquers all? Not likely, according to Sara Thornton. She's spent eight years coming to terms with the new parameters of her life while resigning herself to the idea that "happily ever afters" are best left to fairytales. Sales manager for her successful real estate office and juggling an added element of responsibility she never thought she'd face, Sara continues to struggle with the men in her life. Love, for her, has only meant hurt, broken trust and anger; all of which she's completely banished from her life, so she claims. Jack Gordon has come a long way since his earlier days of obsession with Sara. As the general manager of Stewart Realty, his own level of responsibility for the well-being of others has ramped up. He's even honed his caretaking skills, now that he has someone who loves him unconditionally. Continuing to invest effort and rebuild their relationship, he and Sara grow close as friends. Despite this, his ultimate question remains unanswered; the one he keeps asking, no matter how many times she says no. Sara isn't prepared for the keen focus of his need--to have her back, once and for all. Her stubborn resistance nearly rips both lives apartThe epic conclusion to The Realtors series, Closing Costs brings Jack and Sara truly full circle. Proving that the heat of lust and obsession; the need for control and to be mastered in many areas of life can lead to love —surprising you when you least expect it – if you will only allow it.
Rated X Excerpt:
Sara patted the couch next to her. "Come back over here. I think better when you're closer."He sank onto the couch, draping an arm around her. She snuggled in close, forcing out all the guilt over how her need to do this thing as a mom "on her own" had affected so many lives. "Okay, I'm here. Well?" She closed her eyes when she felt his lips touch her hair.She put a hand on his thigh, relishing the familiar musculature beneath his jeans. He shifted a little. "Listen, Sara, I don't know where your head is right now but…whoa…" Sara heaved herself up onto his lap, straddling him, her face inches from his. She bit back tears. Jack clutched her hips but didn't speak. "Okay if you insist." He cupped the back of her neck and pulled her in for kiss that started slow, easy, intimate, before turning into something much more as she pressed down against his hardening zipper. The room dimmed around her. A bright nugget of need blossomed in her core, making her gasp as Jack started getting serious with his kiss. She threaded her hands in his hair, sucked in huge breaths of him, ran her tongue across the rough rasp of his jaw, down his neck. "God, Jack, I miss you.""Don't ruin this by talking," he growled in her ear, yanking up her t-shirt and flipping open her bra in one motion. He cupped a breast, holding it reverently almost, before lowering his lips to her nipple. The second he touched her, started lapping around the stiffened peak, she groaned and felt moisture flood her panties."Oh my God, I think I just came." He laughed into her flesh and gripped her ass with his other hand. The sensation of his erection against her brought fresh moans to her lips. "Do it again," she whispered."Sure you want to go here, Sara?" His eyes were like a midnight sky just as she remembered. "Because I'm not inclined to fuck and run." He groaned as she reached down to unzip him, fisting his hard flesh. "Although a fuck would be nice…Jesus!" He flipped them around so fast Sara squealed, putting a hand over her mouth as he dove back down to her nipples, caressing, sucking, licking, making her back arch, her entire body throb with need. She sensed his cock, near her, the pulse of their years' long connection swirling around them, making her head spin as he kissed her and kissed her."I need this. So much," she muttered into his lips. He started to pull away but she gripped his face. "I need you, Jack. Please. I...""Say it," he growled, jaw clenching. She shifted her hips, tilted them so she could feel his flesh against hers. Tears stung the back of her eyes as he lifted up and away from her, his hand on the amazing shaft that she wanted inside her. She reached up and yanked him back down, her lips near his ear."I'm sorry. I miss you. I need you." He groaned and pressed into her, penetrating her in one long, smooth stroke. "God!" she cried out, wrapped her legs around him, met his every thrust, needing to feel every inch of his body against her, inside her.
Thanks. And now, let's have a short chat about my strange parallels I've lately observed in my life.
If you are a good and loyal Liz follower you know this already but: I own a craft microbrewery. In Michigan, which is 5th in the nation in the number of licensed microbreweries. The competition is stiff, between the Big Boys (like Bells, Founders, New Holland) and "the macros" as we in the biz call them. But we are all in the same boat. Trying to bring beer with real taste, hand crafted in small(ish) batches to both the existing beer drinking crowd and to a new crowd, those who think "Bud Lite Lime" is the limit of sublime when it comes to malt beverages.
The stats don't lie. The "market share" of beer is dominated by beers with names like Budweiser, Miller, Coors. Period. We all know this. We don't bemoan it too much really, other than to go all "beer snob" on folks who say "gee what do you have in here (in our Tap Rooms and Brew Pubs) that tastes like Bud?"
Sigh.
However, craft beer is starting to get a foothold thanks to some big names (New Belgium, Dog Fish Head, Stone, Yeungling, Bells, and many --- oh really many -- others). We are snagging some market share. But the fact remains that the beers that taste the most like beer flavored water are still wildly, humongously popular. Observe your local grocery beer section. It is dominated by the Big Names You Know. If you are lucky you have a section dedicated to "craft beer" or (in my case) to region specific craft beers.
But....go to any mainstream restaurant, well any damn restaurant really and observe the tap handles at the bar. Same names. The Beer Flavored Water. Frustrating for a beer wench such as myself. But I deal with it. I write, I promote, I blog, I Facebook, I tweet, I Pin, I Foursquare, and I sell my beer in my small corner of my market. And I know, ultimately I will make it big. Because I have control of my destiny. It is up to me whether we succeed or fail. Daily.
Now, I also write. Romance novels. My latest release (the above mentioned Realtors series) is a BDSM influenced tale of a couple of people who continuously clash, in spite of their obvious physical connection. It is getting, as we say, Buzz. Many readers are recommending it to their friends. I am one in a zillion in my genre though. Kind of like in the beer biz these days. Shelves are full of "romance" and "craft beer." How I managed to pick two up and coming areas to focus my creative energy, I have no idea. But there it is.
The reality is, the bulk of the reading and drinking public choose the Middle of The Road. I get that. They want their romantic fiction with some neat and tidy endings and their beer bland. But as we all know, there is a stirring amongst the romance ranks. JR Ward and her brand name dropping vamps aside, the new buzz is "BDSM lite" via the so-called mommy porn of the 50 Shades Trilogy.
Hey, I know how hard it is to write. I am certain EL James (or whatever her name is) worked hard to take her fanfic Bella/Edward concept to where it is today. And I realize she is a PhD in women's psychology and so can translate a core concept of a young woman's sexuality--having an Alpha male who knows what he's doing take her virginity, vs. the fumbling teenagers the rest of us had to cope with--and make it resonate LOUD AND CLEAR with many women who have no idea how much really great hot romance there is already out there to read. I respect the shit out of how she has managed to take her stuff viral.
I respect the shit out of the genius marketers at Budweiser, Coors and Heiniken too.
But I will not drink their beer. And after a few pages of Ana and Christian I had to put down my e-reader, softly and go to the corner to cry a while--and not because I felt for them but because I felt sorry for myself. Fighting mediocrity with more of my own words suddenly seemed very very very (very) futile.
I like to think that all this blogging, promoting, face booking, tweeting, chatting and more chatting about my books, my characters, and my beer will get me there too, someday. I would love to get in front of some of these reader groups gaga over Christian Grey and introduce them to Jack Gordon (or about 5 or 6 other Alpha Doms I can think of by other authors). But at the end of the day, these books are in Time Magazine, on CNN, The BBC, USA Today, and whatshername has a 7 figure paperback and movie deal.
So I just file it under my "oh it's just Budweiser" compartment in my brain. The one that reminds me that professional jealousy in unattractive, dear. Let it go. Let her (and them) have their time in the spotlight. Keep writing. Keep blogging. Keep talking to readers. And keep drinking craft beer, for God's sake!
cheers
(Happy Release Day!)
Liz
P.S. IF YOU LIKED CHRISTIAN GREY, YOU WILL HAVE KITTENS OVER JACK GORDON. I promise.
P.P.S. If you really enjoyed this series of books please realize that "reading enjoyment" is purely subjective. My opinion of the mommy porn phenom as it currently being portrayed in the media should in no way make you feel belittled because you liked it. I mean that.
As a writer of "romance" I am belittled daily by readers and writers of "real fiction." As a writer of books currently only e-published I am belittled daily by readers and writers of "real books." I don't belittle. I merely observe.
HAPPY RELEASE DAY TO ME!
yep, the third installment of The Realtors series is available for purchase!
Buy Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/produ...
Closing Costs is the next "chapter" of a tale encompassing over ten years in the lives of two people. And I'm getting some seriously awesome reviews and killer buzz at a reader level for it. More on "buzz" in a moment. In the meantime, allow me to blurb-i-fy you and slap you upside your head with an excerpt (warning: hot--can't handle it, then skip down to the meat of my post here today about celebrating the middle ground):
Love conquers all? Not likely, according to Sara Thornton. She's spent eight years coming to terms with the new parameters of her life while resigning herself to the idea that "happily ever afters" are best left to fairytales. Sales manager for her successful real estate office and juggling an added element of responsibility she never thought she'd face, Sara continues to struggle with the men in her life. Love, for her, has only meant hurt, broken trust and anger; all of which she's completely banished from her life, so she claims. Jack Gordon has come a long way since his earlier days of obsession with Sara. As the general manager of Stewart Realty, his own level of responsibility for the well-being of others has ramped up. He's even honed his caretaking skills, now that he has someone who loves him unconditionally. Continuing to invest effort and rebuild their relationship, he and Sara grow close as friends. Despite this, his ultimate question remains unanswered; the one he keeps asking, no matter how many times she says no. Sara isn't prepared for the keen focus of his need--to have her back, once and for all. Her stubborn resistance nearly rips both lives apartThe epic conclusion to The Realtors series, Closing Costs brings Jack and Sara truly full circle. Proving that the heat of lust and obsession; the need for control and to be mastered in many areas of life can lead to love —surprising you when you least expect it – if you will only allow it.
Rated X Excerpt:
Sara patted the couch next to her. "Come back over here. I think better when you're closer."He sank onto the couch, draping an arm around her. She snuggled in close, forcing out all the guilt over how her need to do this thing as a mom "on her own" had affected so many lives. "Okay, I'm here. Well?" She closed her eyes when she felt his lips touch her hair.She put a hand on his thigh, relishing the familiar musculature beneath his jeans. He shifted a little. "Listen, Sara, I don't know where your head is right now but…whoa…" Sara heaved herself up onto his lap, straddling him, her face inches from his. She bit back tears. Jack clutched her hips but didn't speak. "Okay if you insist." He cupped the back of her neck and pulled her in for kiss that started slow, easy, intimate, before turning into something much more as she pressed down against his hardening zipper. The room dimmed around her. A bright nugget of need blossomed in her core, making her gasp as Jack started getting serious with his kiss. She threaded her hands in his hair, sucked in huge breaths of him, ran her tongue across the rough rasp of his jaw, down his neck. "God, Jack, I miss you.""Don't ruin this by talking," he growled in her ear, yanking up her t-shirt and flipping open her bra in one motion. He cupped a breast, holding it reverently almost, before lowering his lips to her nipple. The second he touched her, started lapping around the stiffened peak, she groaned and felt moisture flood her panties."Oh my God, I think I just came." He laughed into her flesh and gripped her ass with his other hand. The sensation of his erection against her brought fresh moans to her lips. "Do it again," she whispered."Sure you want to go here, Sara?" His eyes were like a midnight sky just as she remembered. "Because I'm not inclined to fuck and run." He groaned as she reached down to unzip him, fisting his hard flesh. "Although a fuck would be nice…Jesus!" He flipped them around so fast Sara squealed, putting a hand over her mouth as he dove back down to her nipples, caressing, sucking, licking, making her back arch, her entire body throb with need. She sensed his cock, near her, the pulse of their years' long connection swirling around them, making her head spin as he kissed her and kissed her."I need this. So much," she muttered into his lips. He started to pull away but she gripped his face. "I need you, Jack. Please. I...""Say it," he growled, jaw clenching. She shifted her hips, tilted them so she could feel his flesh against hers. Tears stung the back of her eyes as he lifted up and away from her, his hand on the amazing shaft that she wanted inside her. She reached up and yanked him back down, her lips near his ear."I'm sorry. I miss you. I need you." He groaned and pressed into her, penetrating her in one long, smooth stroke. "God!" she cried out, wrapped her legs around him, met his every thrust, needing to feel every inch of his body against her, inside her.
Thanks. And now, let's have a short chat about my strange parallels I've lately observed in my life.
If you are a good and loyal Liz follower you know this already but: I own a craft microbrewery. In Michigan, which is 5th in the nation in the number of licensed microbreweries. The competition is stiff, between the Big Boys (like Bells, Founders, New Holland) and "the macros" as we in the biz call them. But we are all in the same boat. Trying to bring beer with real taste, hand crafted in small(ish) batches to both the existing beer drinking crowd and to a new crowd, those who think "Bud Lite Lime" is the limit of sublime when it comes to malt beverages.
The stats don't lie. The "market share" of beer is dominated by beers with names like Budweiser, Miller, Coors. Period. We all know this. We don't bemoan it too much really, other than to go all "beer snob" on folks who say "gee what do you have in here (in our Tap Rooms and Brew Pubs) that tastes like Bud?"
Sigh.
However, craft beer is starting to get a foothold thanks to some big names (New Belgium, Dog Fish Head, Stone, Yeungling, Bells, and many --- oh really many -- others). We are snagging some market share. But the fact remains that the beers that taste the most like beer flavored water are still wildly, humongously popular. Observe your local grocery beer section. It is dominated by the Big Names You Know. If you are lucky you have a section dedicated to "craft beer" or (in my case) to region specific craft beers.
But....go to any mainstream restaurant, well any damn restaurant really and observe the tap handles at the bar. Same names. The Beer Flavored Water. Frustrating for a beer wench such as myself. But I deal with it. I write, I promote, I blog, I Facebook, I tweet, I Pin, I Foursquare, and I sell my beer in my small corner of my market. And I know, ultimately I will make it big. Because I have control of my destiny. It is up to me whether we succeed or fail. Daily.
Now, I also write. Romance novels. My latest release (the above mentioned Realtors series) is a BDSM influenced tale of a couple of people who continuously clash, in spite of their obvious physical connection. It is getting, as we say, Buzz. Many readers are recommending it to their friends. I am one in a zillion in my genre though. Kind of like in the beer biz these days. Shelves are full of "romance" and "craft beer." How I managed to pick two up and coming areas to focus my creative energy, I have no idea. But there it is.
The reality is, the bulk of the reading and drinking public choose the Middle of The Road. I get that. They want their romantic fiction with some neat and tidy endings and their beer bland. But as we all know, there is a stirring amongst the romance ranks. JR Ward and her brand name dropping vamps aside, the new buzz is "BDSM lite" via the so-called mommy porn of the 50 Shades Trilogy.
Hey, I know how hard it is to write. I am certain EL James (or whatever her name is) worked hard to take her fanfic Bella/Edward concept to where it is today. And I realize she is a PhD in women's psychology and so can translate a core concept of a young woman's sexuality--having an Alpha male who knows what he's doing take her virginity, vs. the fumbling teenagers the rest of us had to cope with--and make it resonate LOUD AND CLEAR with many women who have no idea how much really great hot romance there is already out there to read. I respect the shit out of how she has managed to take her stuff viral.
I respect the shit out of the genius marketers at Budweiser, Coors and Heiniken too.
But I will not drink their beer. And after a few pages of Ana and Christian I had to put down my e-reader, softly and go to the corner to cry a while--and not because I felt for them but because I felt sorry for myself. Fighting mediocrity with more of my own words suddenly seemed very very very (very) futile.
I like to think that all this blogging, promoting, face booking, tweeting, chatting and more chatting about my books, my characters, and my beer will get me there too, someday. I would love to get in front of some of these reader groups gaga over Christian Grey and introduce them to Jack Gordon (or about 5 or 6 other Alpha Doms I can think of by other authors). But at the end of the day, these books are in Time Magazine, on CNN, The BBC, USA Today, and whatshername has a 7 figure paperback and movie deal.
So I just file it under my "oh it's just Budweiser" compartment in my brain. The one that reminds me that professional jealousy in unattractive, dear. Let it go. Let her (and them) have their time in the spotlight. Keep writing. Keep blogging. Keep talking to readers. And keep drinking craft beer, for God's sake!
cheers
(Happy Release Day!)
Liz
P.S. IF YOU LIKED CHRISTIAN GREY, YOU WILL HAVE KITTENS OVER JACK GORDON. I promise.
P.P.S. If you really enjoyed this series of books please realize that "reading enjoyment" is purely subjective. My opinion of the mommy porn phenom as it currently being portrayed in the media should in no way make you feel belittled because you liked it. I mean that.
As a writer of "romance" I am belittled daily by readers and writers of "real fiction." As a writer of books currently only e-published I am belittled daily by readers and writers of "real books." I don't belittle. I merely observe.
